Big Bend - Yearbook

| 4/1/2011

Lafayette/ Jefferson/ Gadsden/ Wakulla Counties

Layfayette Population: 8,132
Population Growth Rate (2007-11): 0.34%
Population by Age:
0-14	15-19	20-39	40-64	65+
16.7%	5.1%	36.0%	29.5%	12.8%
Per Capita Income: $19,698

The RO Ranch, a 2,500-acre equestrian park and RV campground, was set to open in March in Lafayette County. It features more than 14 miles of trails and a visitors education center and is developed and managed by the Suwannee River Water Management District, which also owns 20,000 adjoining acres.

Jefferson Population: 14,417
Population Growth Rate (2007-11): 1.00%
Population by Age:
0-14	15-19	20-39	40-64	65+
16.1%	5.0%	22.8%	38.7%	17.4%
Per Capita Income: $31,541

Julie Conley

Receipt of a Rural Infrastructure Fund Grant is making it possible for Jefferson County to implement a master plan and complete water, sewer, stormwater and transportation infrastructure for an industrial park. "Some empty storefronts downtown (in Monticello) will soon be occupied," says Julie Conley, executive director of the Jefferson County Economic Development Council, welcoming signs of an improving economy.

Gadsden Population: 47,885
Population Growth Rate (2007-11): 0.61%
Population by Age:
0-14	15-19	20-39	40-64	65+
20.5%	5.6%	26.2%	34.2%	13.5%
Per Capita Income: $29,264

The purchase and reopening of the nearly 30-year-old Quincy mushroom farm by Gamboa Bros. of West Grove, Pa., holds promise for 200 to 300 jobs in 2011. While many companies are still in survival mode, the economy has stabilized and inquiries are up, says David Gardner, executive director of the Gadsden County Chamber of Commerce.

Wakulla Population: 34,540
Population Growth Rate (2007-11): 3.37%
Population by Age:
0-14	15-19	20-39	40-64	65+
17.4%	5.8%	28.2%	35.1%	13.6%
Per Capita Income: $26,506

Kimberly Moore

Kimberly Moore, past-president of the Wakulla Chamber of Commerce and also the CEO of the regional Workforce Plus, cites development of the Wakulla Environmental Institute by Tallahassee Community College as a promising initiative that's moving forward. A Wakulla group donated the land.

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